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Pride & Prejudice Continues #1
Charlotte Collins
Conosciamo tutti le circostanze in cui il matrimonio tra Charlotte Lucas e Mr Collins ha avuto luogo. Un'unione senza amore nella quale entrambi hanno perseguito i propri interessi. L’autrice, in questo coinvolgente seguito di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio, ci porta a conoscere una Charlotte Collins più matura, oculata padrona di casa, moglie paziente e determinata, ma soprattutto una donna vivace e spiritosa ben diversa dal personaggio minore che ricordiamo. Ma può una donna così vivere una vita senza amore? Tra le pagine dei romanzi in cui si rifugia, viene a conoscenza di un sentimento intenso e appassionato, ben diverso da quello che la lega al marito. Inoltre, la signora Collins non potrà mai asservirsi a una donna prepotente e manipolatrice quale Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Tutto ciò porterà Charlotte a una serie di eventi che ne metteranno a dura prova la determinazione e il matrimonio e che ricorderanno anche quanto l’amore possa cambiare chiunque. «Dopotutto, ognuna merita un lieto fine, no?»
239 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
November 24, 2017
Redemption Through Love
Digging into the backlist for some well crafted stories, I came across this gem. Ms Aminadra explores an extension of the Charlotte Lucas/William Collins story. Aminadra's portrait of the smarmy cleric shows the redemptive power of love as both principals. Gain a deeper understanding of each other and how a marriage actually works. The author's portrait of Collins is an inverse Dorian Gray...with good appearing to erase the bowing and scraping character. His blemishes begin to vanishes under the soothing hand of a wife who discovers to her surprise that she is falling in love with her husband. Collins,once he comes out from under the thrall of Lady Catherine, becomes Everyman in that we all realize that we married up. Written in a beautiful nongendered way.
Digging into the backlist for some well crafted stories, I came across this gem. Ms Aminadra explores an extension of the Charlotte Lucas/William Collins story. Aminadra's portrait of the smarmy cleric shows the redemptive power of love as both principals. Gain a deeper understanding of each other and how a marriage actually works. The author's portrait of Collins is an inverse Dorian Gray...with good appearing to erase the bowing and scraping character. His blemishes begin to vanishes under the soothing hand of a wife who discovers to her surprise that she is falling in love with her husband. Collins,once he comes out from under the thrall of Lady Catherine, becomes Everyman in that we all realize that we married up. Written in a beautiful nongendered way.
September 20, 2015
I love it when minor characters get to shine in their own right so I was pleased to pick up this story about Charlotte Collins, the best friend of the heroine in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. I wasn't sure what to expect, but truthfully this one knocked my socks off with many surprises. It is a sequel and follows the events of P&P, but shifting the spotlight to Hunsford and Rosings.
Charlotte has realized that for all her prosaic and pragmatic words to Lizzy, that she is not as reconciled to her situation as she expected. Mr. Collins' sycophant behavior toward Lady Catherine his patroness and his obliviousness toward anyone else including Charlotte is wearing her down. Charlotte wants desperately for things to change.
It is then that she realizes that if she wants change; then she will have to institute it herself. Charlotte grows friendships within the village gentle folk and takes on the role of a vicar's wife in the care of their people. She takes Mr. Collins firmly to task a few times and makes it clear that she will no longer consult Lady C or be influenced by her for everything.
William Collins never gave much thought about his marriage or his wife, accepting her and her quiet organizing of their home without true appreciation. It is only when he is placed in the untenable position of who owns his loyalty whether wife or benefactress that he sees things more clearly.
Meanwhile, Charlotte has a further crisis of her own when she foolishly engages in a friendship and light flirtation with another man that leads to her having to make a dreadful choice. Although by then, her husband's changed behavior makes it no contest at all. She has learned to care for her husband, an improving Mr. Collins. But what will Lady C make of all these changes since it is she who does indeed control their very livelihood.
Alright, so surprise number one and its a biggie. Consider yourself warned. Mr. Collins is the hero in this story. And. I. Liked. Him. There! I said it. Try not to freak out. Mr. Collins, indeed, started along the familiar lines of a pitiful, bumbling fool that no one could respect let alone like, but this is the story of how learning to love a sensible woman and being willing to change for her takes him in a direction that was a delightful surprise. It was baby steps and agonizing, but I was riveted.
Second surprise, and related to the first. Charlotte, too, comes into her own as a result of her marriage. She is a lady who develops a spine of steel, but also is exposed to having a foolish side when it comes to her flirtation in an effort to feel appreciated, notice, and valued. This particular part of the plot left me uneasy since she is a married woman, but I read on to see if she would succumb or overcome her folly.
And that leads me to Col. Fitzwilliam's role. I really struggled with his portrayal in this one because I love him as the gallant, gentleman-soldier or when he is irreverent, but still principled. To see him in the role of Charlotte's flirt when she is a married woman and later when he loses his head, bothered me tremendously. I had to pretend it was someone else just so I could enjoy the rest of the story.
The cheating element was definitely problematic for me, but it did heighten the conflict and one of the big moment's of crisis.
Anyway, this was a well written piece and had a feeling of the original as far as a sequel can. I loved how the author brought Charlotte and William through all that they experienced and made them both characters I loved reading about. Austen fans and even fans of sweet historical romance might want to give this one a try.
Charlotte has realized that for all her prosaic and pragmatic words to Lizzy, that she is not as reconciled to her situation as she expected. Mr. Collins' sycophant behavior toward Lady Catherine his patroness and his obliviousness toward anyone else including Charlotte is wearing her down. Charlotte wants desperately for things to change.
It is then that she realizes that if she wants change; then she will have to institute it herself. Charlotte grows friendships within the village gentle folk and takes on the role of a vicar's wife in the care of their people. She takes Mr. Collins firmly to task a few times and makes it clear that she will no longer consult Lady C or be influenced by her for everything.
William Collins never gave much thought about his marriage or his wife, accepting her and her quiet organizing of their home without true appreciation. It is only when he is placed in the untenable position of who owns his loyalty whether wife or benefactress that he sees things more clearly.
Meanwhile, Charlotte has a further crisis of her own when she foolishly engages in a friendship and light flirtation with another man that leads to her having to make a dreadful choice. Although by then, her husband's changed behavior makes it no contest at all. She has learned to care for her husband, an improving Mr. Collins. But what will Lady C make of all these changes since it is she who does indeed control their very livelihood.
Alright, so surprise number one and its a biggie. Consider yourself warned. Mr. Collins is the hero in this story. And. I. Liked. Him. There! I said it. Try not to freak out. Mr. Collins, indeed, started along the familiar lines of a pitiful, bumbling fool that no one could respect let alone like, but this is the story of how learning to love a sensible woman and being willing to change for her takes him in a direction that was a delightful surprise. It was baby steps and agonizing, but I was riveted.
Second surprise, and related to the first. Charlotte, too, comes into her own as a result of her marriage. She is a lady who develops a spine of steel, but also is exposed to having a foolish side when it comes to her flirtation in an effort to feel appreciated, notice, and valued. This particular part of the plot left me uneasy since she is a married woman, but I read on to see if she would succumb or overcome her folly.
And that leads me to Col. Fitzwilliam's role. I really struggled with his portrayal in this one because I love him as the gallant, gentleman-soldier or when he is irreverent, but still principled. To see him in the role of Charlotte's flirt when she is a married woman and later when he loses his head, bothered me tremendously. I had to pretend it was someone else just so I could enjoy the rest of the story.
The cheating element was definitely problematic for me, but it did heighten the conflict and one of the big moment's of crisis.
Anyway, this was a well written piece and had a feeling of the original as far as a sequel can. I loved how the author brought Charlotte and William through all that they experienced and made them both characters I loved reading about. Austen fans and even fans of sweet historical romance might want to give this one a try.
May 29, 2018
This Pride and Prejudice sequel gives us a window into the lives of Charlotte and William Collins just starting with Elizabeth and Darcy's engagement announcement. Charlotte realizes that she has put herself in a bad situation and for the first time in her life is jealous. She begins to stand her ground against Lady Catherine and Collins constant agreement with her dictates. As she begins to take control of her life and happiness she is able to change her relationship with her husband, with a few missteps, of course. Their path takes quite a unique and enjoyable transformation. In the end I have to say I really liked Collins. (which is very uncomfortable to type).
This book started slow but picked up and had a great ending.
This book started slow but picked up and had a great ending.
March 15, 2014
In the beginning, I adored this book. I've always thought that Charlotte was an interesting character and I was curious how her marriage with Mr. Collins ended up. This book gave me one answer. The book was well-written and well-timed. Also, I liked how most of the time the author didn't try to be Jane Austen. She was her own voice. However, there were a few issues that caused me to give a lower rating than other reviewers.
Problem 1: This book was clearly based off the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice- not the book. How do I know? In several scenes the author describes Mr. Collins as short or small. In the book, Austen describes him as, “a tall, heavy looking young man of five and twenty” (48).
Problem 2: I didn't feel the author understood the original characters very well. For example, many of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's lines in the book are taken directly from the movie. While I admit I'd rather the author do this than what she did to some of the other characters, it made me feel like she didn't truly know them. Another example is
Problem 3: Lady Catherine de Bourgh is apparently responsible for ALL of the issues in the town. If you've read the book, you know what I mean, and it's ridiculous. She has so much control over Mr. Collins because of his personality and her dominion over him, but she doesn't have that over other people in the town.
In the end, though, I'm grateful I read the book. It was a fun read, but one I doubt I'll read again.
Problem 1: This book was clearly based off the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice- not the book. How do I know? In several scenes the author describes Mr. Collins as short or small. In the book, Austen describes him as, “a tall, heavy looking young man of five and twenty” (48).
Problem 2: I didn't feel the author understood the original characters very well. For example, many of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's lines in the book are taken directly from the movie. While I admit I'd rather the author do this than what she did to some of the other characters, it made me feel like she didn't truly know them. Another example is
Problem 3: Lady Catherine de Bourgh is apparently responsible for ALL of the issues in the town. If you've read the book, you know what I mean, and it's ridiculous. She has so much control over Mr. Collins because of his personality and her dominion over him, but she doesn't have that over other people in the town.
In the end, though, I'm grateful I read the book. It was a fun read, but one I doubt I'll read again.
October 13, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
Yes, in canon Charlotte is just happy to have a husband who comes with a home in which the marriage begins. In many stories Charlotte is not one to regret her decision. However, in this story not only does Charlotte begin to have regrets she also finds herself rebelling against Lady Catherine's dictates and looking at other possibilities which present themselves. Charlotte has a wandering eye and and for the first time has feeling of passion. She knows it is wrong but somehow...
Meanwhile, back at the parsonage, Mr. Collins at first heeds only what his patroness tells him, and how to punish his wife when she ignores Lady Catherine's dictates. However, as neighbors relate to him how they view Charlotte, how she has helped them and shown her charity upon those needing such, he takes stock and begins to not only accept Charlotte's independence but also begins to have feelings which he has never before experienced. But how to communicate those to Charlotte.
There is an episode in which one of the men in Charlotte's life has an accident. However, if that accident results in a death, the other man may face hanging.
Charlotte not only stands up for herself in this tale but she also helps correct past interference from Lady Catherine in the lives of some of the parishioners. Colonel Fitzwilliam becomes an ally in this effort and a friend to Charlotte.
Yes, in canon Charlotte is just happy to have a husband who comes with a home in which the marriage begins. In many stories Charlotte is not one to regret her decision. However, in this story not only does Charlotte begin to have regrets she also finds herself rebelling against Lady Catherine's dictates and looking at other possibilities which present themselves. Charlotte has a wandering eye and and for the first time has feeling of passion. She knows it is wrong but somehow...
Meanwhile, back at the parsonage, Mr. Collins at first heeds only what his patroness tells him, and how to punish his wife when she ignores Lady Catherine's dictates. However, as neighbors relate to him how they view Charlotte, how she has helped them and shown her charity upon those needing such, he takes stock and begins to not only accept Charlotte's independence but also begins to have feelings which he has never before experienced. But how to communicate those to Charlotte.
There is an episode in which one of the men in Charlotte's life has an accident. However, if that accident results in a death, the other man may face hanging.
Charlotte not only stands up for herself in this tale but she also helps correct past interference from Lady Catherine in the lives of some of the parishioners. Colonel Fitzwilliam becomes an ally in this effort and a friend to Charlotte.
June 20, 2012
WOW !! Loved this book. This continuation takes us into the unusual direction in that it is not about Darcy and Elizabeth. This story is about Charlotte and Mr Collins and how there story continues on. Mr collins is the toady sycophant that we all know and cringe about. The story starts out just before Darcy and Elizabeth's wedding and we see Mr Collins as his usual self. Charlotte is wonderful in how she handles him and does make Mr collins see thing diferently. It was diverting to see Charlotte handle him and also the "The right Honourable Lady Catherine DeBourge". The characters were well done, I just wish that Colonel Fitzwilliam's role in this story was different. I'm just a little partial to him and want him to have a happily ever after. Maybe Ms Aminadra can write about him next!! Anyway this is a must read for all the JAFF readers out there. Wonderful story!!!! :D
August 6, 2012
I was a little worried at first that this book would be too weird, but it was REALLY good I thought. The author did a nice job of incorporating Jane Austen's characters into this new story. I'm going to look for more books by this author.
June 6, 2012
Charlotte has finally been given her due! She is no longer the less interesting and attractive sidekick of Lizzie Bennett but a flesh and blood woman with a personality, opinions, and desires of her own. With the piquancy of Jane Austen’s Emma but of a more reserved disposition (let us not go too far!) the portrait Aminadra paints of her Charlotte is so spirited, vibrant, and witty, it makes this reader wonder how she ever perceived her as plain.
Though still tolerant and gentle (she has put up with Mr. Collins’s over-fawning and sycophantic devotion to Lady Catherine on a regular basis without complaint) Charlotte proves her resourcefulness by laying out the facts and allowing her husband to sort them out on his own. With her nearly imperceptible guidance, he begins to see the flaws of his patroness, value his wife’s assets, and become less pompous and more likeable in the bargain. And although I did not come to LOVE Mr. Collins, I at least began to understand him and make allowances for his previous behavior.
Aminadra has fashioned a delightful tale that admirably matches the style, language, and dispositions of the characters first introduced to us in Pride and Prejudice. The setting is consistent, the storyline compelling and a logical furtherance of the original, certainly strong enough to overcome any technical flaws. Jane Austen would be tickled to have inspired such a sweet tribute to her timeless classic!
Though still tolerant and gentle (she has put up with Mr. Collins’s over-fawning and sycophantic devotion to Lady Catherine on a regular basis without complaint) Charlotte proves her resourcefulness by laying out the facts and allowing her husband to sort them out on his own. With her nearly imperceptible guidance, he begins to see the flaws of his patroness, value his wife’s assets, and become less pompous and more likeable in the bargain. And although I did not come to LOVE Mr. Collins, I at least began to understand him and make allowances for his previous behavior.
Aminadra has fashioned a delightful tale that admirably matches the style, language, and dispositions of the characters first introduced to us in Pride and Prejudice. The setting is consistent, the storyline compelling and a logical furtherance of the original, certainly strong enough to overcome any technical flaws. Jane Austen would be tickled to have inspired such a sweet tribute to her timeless classic!
September 19, 2015
So this was Charlotte's book. It takes place after Lizzy and Darcy married. And someone is maaaaaaaaaaaaaaad. Lady Catherine is such an idiot.
This book then. Charlotte finds herself content, but wishing for more. So she tries her best to change her simpering fool. But he is as we all all about Lady C. BUT, he does change, slowly over time. And to my surprise I even found myself liking him...but it did take to the end ;)
We have Charlotte trying to teach Collins some manners. We have Lady C ruling with an iron fist. And we have the good people of the village.
What I did not like was a certain situation C found herself in. I could have approved, but not after certain things that happened. It felt really strange.
But all in all, I enjoyed it.
This book then. Charlotte finds herself content, but wishing for more. So she tries her best to change her simpering fool. But he is as we all all about Lady C. BUT, he does change, slowly over time. And to my surprise I even found myself liking him...but it did take to the end ;)
We have Charlotte trying to teach Collins some manners. We have Lady C ruling with an iron fist. And we have the good people of the village.
What I did not like was a certain situation C found herself in. I could have approved, but not after certain things that happened. It felt really strange.
But all in all, I enjoyed it.
February 4, 2016
This book was disappointing. The book dragged and I found myself skipping paragraphs to get through the book. I enjoyed the relationships Charlotte developed with the neighbors as well as her relationship with lady Catherine. It was nice for her to find an ally in Colonel Fitzwilliam. Then their relationship took an unbelievable turn and the book went downhill from there. This book had potential but it's as if the author was in a hurry to write it and didn't bother fine tuning the characters, plot and grammar. My biggest complaint is The unbelievable change in Mr. Collins, he was one character who should have been left alone. Charlotte made a choice to marry a bumbling idiot so he didn't need to change to make a happy marriage for the Collins'.
May 25, 2025
An endearing sequel
This is a very unusual sequel focussed on Charlotte and Mr Collins. It is a very gentle read and focusses on the emotions of the pair rather than on any overly dramatic plot lines. I very much appreciated this.
There are a few errors, in particular The Lucas parents are incorrectly referred to as Lord and Lady Lucas and there is a rather odd overuse of the word collation (!). These points aside this is a charming book and I recommend it freely to those who are looking for something a little less mainstream.
This is a very unusual sequel focussed on Charlotte and Mr Collins. It is a very gentle read and focusses on the emotions of the pair rather than on any overly dramatic plot lines. I very much appreciated this.
There are a few errors, in particular The Lucas parents are incorrectly referred to as Lord and Lady Lucas and there is a rather odd overuse of the word collation (!). These points aside this is a charming book and I recommend it freely to those who are looking for something a little less mainstream.
May 13, 2012
It shows a great deal of charity to think kindly on the odious Mr. Collins of Pride and Prejudice. Sure, we all feel for Charlotte Collins née Lucas, who, knowing that her marital prospects are not good, accepts his offer of marriage.
As Charlotte confessed to Elizabeth Bennet: “I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’s character, connection, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”
(NOTE: There are potential spoilers below, but come on, did you think an Austen continuation would end unhappily?)
William Collins (who even thinks of him having a first name?) is certainly not a villain, but he is such an object of ridicule that we can only think with sympathy of “poor Charlotte” left alone with Mr. Collins and the condescension of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Jane Greensmith in her story All I Do even has this line: “I’ll accuse you of being a ‘Collins’ if you keep on bowing and scraping.”
But Karen Aminadra in her new book Charlotte — Pride and Prejudice Continues, has seen something in Mr. Collins that the rest of us have ignored and has endeavored to give Charlotte the happy ending she deserved within the context of the bargain she has made. Although the beginning of the book certainly gives no indication that the reclamation of Mr. Collins is possible:
>>
Upon her arrival she found the house and servants in pandemonium, for all his shouting and flapping Mr Collins had not produced the haste which he so desired but had made all about him unable to discern whether they were coming or going.
“My dear Charlotte I cannot express to you how important the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh is to us and the sovereign importance of performing our duty to her. We are called to dine at the great house this every evening; our presence is required. We must prepare ourselves.”
>>
Soon Charlotte is determined to stand up to the dictates of Lady Catherine, especially after she learns the extent to which their patroness has controlled and ruined the lives of others in the village of Hunsford. That stand comes at a cost, however, when Lady Catherine urges Mr. Collins to take a stronger hand in dealing with his “wayward” wife.
All the while, however, it begins to dawn on Mr. Collins just how lucky he is to have found Charlotte, who fulfills the job of a rector’s wife admirably. Her charm, sense and open spirit make her the ideal companion, but she is not without fault. It also slowly dawns on her that her admission to Elizabeth that she is not a romantic may be untrue and that the bargain she has made with Mr. Collins may leave her very unhappy.
It’s fun that the revelations Charlotte and William experience are not in sync; and when they do sync, they both have a taste of what their lives together could be. Lady Catherine, however, is always there to drive a wedge between them.
Ms. Aminadra also shows great restraint in making her book solidly about Charlotte and Mr. Collins, with few mentions of the main characters of Pride and Prejudice. I almost thought Elizabeth and Darcy would be completely absent, but they do appear at the end of the book and their intervention is both appropriate and necessary.
One character from P&P who does play a major role is Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy’s cousin. He’s often a character in play in Pride and Prejudice continuations, and here he’s a charming snake in the garden, tempting Charlotte from her vow to her husband. He’s no Wickham, of course, but he does show Charlotte what she’s missing in her marriage and ultimately, they’re equally unable to deny their mutual attraction.
I have to admit I don’t read many Austen continuations that don’t have some gimmick: vampires, zombies or a murder mystery. But Ms. Aminadra’s story eschews gimmicks and has the simple plot of one of Austen’s novels: a women who has to make a choice between two men and characters who have to adjust their perceptions of one another. She’s also taken on the more difficult task of asking readers to change their perceptions of one of the most ridiculous characters Austen created.
I fear I give away too much in this review, but be reassured that as in Austen’s novels, it’s the details and the characterization and not the plot that drive the story. You know that the heroine will have a happy ending; what you will enjoy reading is Charlotte’s efforts to secure that ending. The friends she makes in the village not only emphasize her genuine spirit, they also help her see her bargain for what it is. Those same friends are also her allies against Lady Catherine.
My only disappointment in the ending is that Ms. Aminadra ultimately could not find a way to resolve the impasse with Lady Catherine. Her charity does not extend that far and in retrospect, I have to admit the reclamation of Lady Catherine would be too much to expect.
As Charlotte confessed to Elizabeth Bennet: “I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’s character, connection, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”
(NOTE: There are potential spoilers below, but come on, did you think an Austen continuation would end unhappily?)
William Collins (who even thinks of him having a first name?) is certainly not a villain, but he is such an object of ridicule that we can only think with sympathy of “poor Charlotte” left alone with Mr. Collins and the condescension of his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Jane Greensmith in her story All I Do even has this line: “I’ll accuse you of being a ‘Collins’ if you keep on bowing and scraping.”
But Karen Aminadra in her new book Charlotte — Pride and Prejudice Continues, has seen something in Mr. Collins that the rest of us have ignored and has endeavored to give Charlotte the happy ending she deserved within the context of the bargain she has made. Although the beginning of the book certainly gives no indication that the reclamation of Mr. Collins is possible:
>>
Upon her arrival she found the house and servants in pandemonium, for all his shouting and flapping Mr Collins had not produced the haste which he so desired but had made all about him unable to discern whether they were coming or going.
“My dear Charlotte I cannot express to you how important the patronage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh is to us and the sovereign importance of performing our duty to her. We are called to dine at the great house this every evening; our presence is required. We must prepare ourselves.”
>>
Soon Charlotte is determined to stand up to the dictates of Lady Catherine, especially after she learns the extent to which their patroness has controlled and ruined the lives of others in the village of Hunsford. That stand comes at a cost, however, when Lady Catherine urges Mr. Collins to take a stronger hand in dealing with his “wayward” wife.
All the while, however, it begins to dawn on Mr. Collins just how lucky he is to have found Charlotte, who fulfills the job of a rector’s wife admirably. Her charm, sense and open spirit make her the ideal companion, but she is not without fault. It also slowly dawns on her that her admission to Elizabeth that she is not a romantic may be untrue and that the bargain she has made with Mr. Collins may leave her very unhappy.
It’s fun that the revelations Charlotte and William experience are not in sync; and when they do sync, they both have a taste of what their lives together could be. Lady Catherine, however, is always there to drive a wedge between them.
Ms. Aminadra also shows great restraint in making her book solidly about Charlotte and Mr. Collins, with few mentions of the main characters of Pride and Prejudice. I almost thought Elizabeth and Darcy would be completely absent, but they do appear at the end of the book and their intervention is both appropriate and necessary.
One character from P&P who does play a major role is Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy’s cousin. He’s often a character in play in Pride and Prejudice continuations, and here he’s a charming snake in the garden, tempting Charlotte from her vow to her husband. He’s no Wickham, of course, but he does show Charlotte what she’s missing in her marriage and ultimately, they’re equally unable to deny their mutual attraction.
I have to admit I don’t read many Austen continuations that don’t have some gimmick: vampires, zombies or a murder mystery. But Ms. Aminadra’s story eschews gimmicks and has the simple plot of one of Austen’s novels: a women who has to make a choice between two men and characters who have to adjust their perceptions of one another. She’s also taken on the more difficult task of asking readers to change their perceptions of one of the most ridiculous characters Austen created.
I fear I give away too much in this review, but be reassured that as in Austen’s novels, it’s the details and the characterization and not the plot that drive the story. You know that the heroine will have a happy ending; what you will enjoy reading is Charlotte’s efforts to secure that ending. The friends she makes in the village not only emphasize her genuine spirit, they also help her see her bargain for what it is. Those same friends are also her allies against Lady Catherine.
My only disappointment in the ending is that Ms. Aminadra ultimately could not find a way to resolve the impasse with Lady Catherine. Her charity does not extend that far and in retrospect, I have to admit the reclamation of Lady Catherine would be too much to expect.
November 18, 2012
Well I had hoped for a nice book with a continuation of Charlotte's story. This was a story that had promise. I wasn't sure you could make Mr. Collins likable, she managed, with a much stronger Charlotte than I imagined from the original book. Charlotte is a sweet, kind gentle character, and very practical. I'm not sure she would have had the strength to combat the very Domineering Lady Catherine. I did not like the tarnishing of Colonel Fitzwilliam, a horrible plot line in the story.
I also had a hard time with the bit of sexuality in the book. Don't get me wrong here, but since I was reading a book that was set in the time period and styled after Jane Austen, I didn't expect it in the book. I can't say I have ever read any book from the time period with the descriptions in that Mr. Collins describes upon reading his first novel. Maybe they were but in all my reading I haven't seen it. I thought that this overt written sexuality in popular reading didnt' hit until the 20th century. Maybe I'm wrong, but when you go back and read older romances they are pretty clean, even the ones that were considered racy. I have read books that Jane Austen sites in her novels and they have nothing in them. Trust me this isn't bad, it just didn't feel right in this book.
Some of the good things, the rallying around Charlotte by the new friends she makes. The softening of Mr. Collins, is well done as he starts to realize his own foolishness. The appearance of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. It has its moments but another fail for me in the Pride and Prejudice "fan fiction" works.
I also had a hard time with the bit of sexuality in the book. Don't get me wrong here, but since I was reading a book that was set in the time period and styled after Jane Austen, I didn't expect it in the book. I can't say I have ever read any book from the time period with the descriptions in that Mr. Collins describes upon reading his first novel. Maybe they were but in all my reading I haven't seen it. I thought that this overt written sexuality in popular reading didnt' hit until the 20th century. Maybe I'm wrong, but when you go back and read older romances they are pretty clean, even the ones that were considered racy. I have read books that Jane Austen sites in her novels and they have nothing in them. Trust me this isn't bad, it just didn't feel right in this book.
Some of the good things, the rallying around Charlotte by the new friends she makes. The softening of Mr. Collins, is well done as he starts to realize his own foolishness. The appearance of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. It has its moments but another fail for me in the Pride and Prejudice "fan fiction" works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2014
YaY!
a delish new read just added to my kindle :)
Thank you to Karen for offering this on her blog ~ a very creatively FuN giveaway !
and a HaPpY Reader here responding ") anticipation...
Currently enjoying my reading of Charlotte's story as participation in Austen in August...
Karen has written a captivating tale enlivening Charlotte to the reader and developing my interest in her story from the first page ~
From an understanding of Charlotte in P&P, I accepted her choice to marry Rev Collins as a matter of provision for her future. A future without love, but one with which she had thoughtfully come to terms. In this continuation, we gain the inside story. As it develops, Karen introduces the background to Rev Collins, increasing not only understanding, but igniting our sympathies on his behalf. We encounter a very wise woman in Charlotte who not only knows how to relate to her husband, she knows how to develop the best of him.
Fascinating seeing Karen's development of each of the characters she includes in the story - supporting cast of characters all interesting and realistically portrayed. I was equally interested in the subplots included as I was in the main. The twists of Colonel Fitzwilliam's role were well played and expertly handled without graphically overdoing any of the emotions and actions. Much appreciated by this reader for one :)
Very pleased to have included this in my reading list for Austen in August. Definitely a fun summer diversion! Thanks again, Karen!
a delish new read just added to my kindle :)
Thank you to Karen for offering this on her blog ~ a very creatively FuN giveaway !
and a HaPpY Reader here responding ") anticipation...
Currently enjoying my reading of Charlotte's story as participation in Austen in August...
Karen has written a captivating tale enlivening Charlotte to the reader and developing my interest in her story from the first page ~
From an understanding of Charlotte in P&P, I accepted her choice to marry Rev Collins as a matter of provision for her future. A future without love, but one with which she had thoughtfully come to terms. In this continuation, we gain the inside story. As it develops, Karen introduces the background to Rev Collins, increasing not only understanding, but igniting our sympathies on his behalf. We encounter a very wise woman in Charlotte who not only knows how to relate to her husband, she knows how to develop the best of him.
Fascinating seeing Karen's development of each of the characters she includes in the story - supporting cast of characters all interesting and realistically portrayed. I was equally interested in the subplots included as I was in the main. The twists of Colonel Fitzwilliam's role were well played and expertly handled without graphically overdoing any of the emotions and actions. Much appreciated by this reader for one :)
Very pleased to have included this in my reading list for Austen in August. Definitely a fun summer diversion! Thanks again, Karen!
June 27, 2022
The unspoken subtitle here is obviously "In Which Charlotte and Mr Collins Redeem Themselves," though I have to admit I still resist liking the latter. Here, Charlotte grows a backbone, makes progress in inspiring her husband to do the same, and after a few bumps in the road, a happy ending comes about.
Not a bad story, and I have to admit I hated the original ending that left Charlotte settling for a ridiculous sycophant and a lifetime of regret. However, the lack of editing killed me. Virtually every page had unnecessary commas, inexplicably missing commas, the occasional mystifying semicolon, and enough run-on sentences to leave one breathless. It was a travesty that made it seem shameful that this was riding on the coattails of a beloved literary classic as the punctuation screamed out "impostor!" Honestly, if I'd flagged and made notes on everything that jumped out to smack me in the face and pull me out of the story, I'd have written almost as many pages as were in the book itself. Happy ending notwithstanding, the ending left me feeling seriously bummed. *sigh*
Not a bad story, and I have to admit I hated the original ending that left Charlotte settling for a ridiculous sycophant and a lifetime of regret. However, the lack of editing killed me. Virtually every page had unnecessary commas, inexplicably missing commas, the occasional mystifying semicolon, and enough run-on sentences to leave one breathless. It was a travesty that made it seem shameful that this was riding on the coattails of a beloved literary classic as the punctuation screamed out "impostor!" Honestly, if I'd flagged and made notes on everything that jumped out to smack me in the face and pull me out of the story, I'd have written almost as many pages as were in the book itself. Happy ending notwithstanding, the ending left me feeling seriously bummed. *sigh*
June 6, 2012
This is the story of Mr. Collins and Charlotte. It begins where Pride and Prejudice leaves off -- with a ridiculous Mr. Collins who values the opinions of his "esteemed" patroness, Lady Catherine over those of his own wife.
Charlotte realizes that she can do more good as a pastor's wife then just jumping every time Lady Catherine snaps. So she starts (gasp!) forming her own opinions and acting according to her own conscience!
So Lady Catherine instructs Mr. Collins on how to correct his errant wife's behavior. With the help of some friends, Charlotte turns it around and is able to show Mr. Collins how ridiculous his behavior has been -- and just in time. Her not-so-innocent flirtations with Col. Fitzwilliam are becoming more of a temptation to Charlotte than she bargained for!
It was fun to see Mr. Collins go from someone who is absurd to someone who is likeable and sensible! And the appearance of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth at the end of the book was a fun treat!
Charlotte realizes that she can do more good as a pastor's wife then just jumping every time Lady Catherine snaps. So she starts (gasp!) forming her own opinions and acting according to her own conscience!
So Lady Catherine instructs Mr. Collins on how to correct his errant wife's behavior. With the help of some friends, Charlotte turns it around and is able to show Mr. Collins how ridiculous his behavior has been -- and just in time. Her not-so-innocent flirtations with Col. Fitzwilliam are becoming more of a temptation to Charlotte than she bargained for!
It was fun to see Mr. Collins go from someone who is absurd to someone who is likeable and sensible! And the appearance of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth at the end of the book was a fun treat!
June 3, 2012
Attention Jane Austen fans! Charlotte- Pride and Prejudice Continues is for you! Aminadra does an amazing job of recreating Austen's world. Her characters leap from the page! They are warm and full-blooded and true to Austen's orignal creations. Careful detail has been paid to speech and mannerisms and I found that I had to remind myself that it was not Jane Austen who had written this delightful book but Karen Aminadra. I believe Austen would be pleased with how her characters are portrayed and especially how Mr. Collins is redeemed. Charlotte is original yet true to the Austen tradition. I highly recommend it to Jane Austen fans everywhere. You will not be disappointed! And to those of you who have not had a chance to read Jane Austen I recommend Charlotte as an introduction. I look forward to reading more from this author....you should too!
July 27, 2013
This book is rated PG. I don't know about you but I kinda like to know that up front so I don't keep reading waiting for the spice only to find it's rather bland. This one has a very little. ** Spoiler Alert** I'm sorry but I cringed at the intimate scenes with Mr. Collins. I never quite got over how creepy he was in the book and movie: Pride and Prejudice. I was really hoping Charlotte was going to move on. Probably not a realistic expectation especially for that time period but, one could hope especially in fan fiction as it wasn't entirely unheard of. I found the ending completely ridiculous! Never would a man such as Colonel Fitzwilliam pledge undying love to Charlotte in her small parsonage with Mr. Collins and the servants present! What ensues is a 19th century soap opera. If you're not a fan of Mr. Collins...skip it.
September 17, 2012
A beautiful continuation of Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte follows the story of Mrs Collins in her new life in Hunsford as the wife of Mr William Collins. The style is very much in the spirit of the original work, and the very believable storyline is one that might have been thought up by Austen herself had she written a sequel. I very much enjoyed reading this novel, and I think all fans of Pride and Prejudice will love it. I'd certainly like to see a TV dramatisation of this one day! Thoroughly recommended.
January 31, 2015
Piacevolissimo romanzo, molto ben scritto, dove assistiamo ad un vero e proprio percorso evolutivo di due personaggi di O&P, poco conosciuti se nn per le ridicole esposizioni pubbliche di Mr. Collins e il suo asservimento a Lady De Bourgh. Sorprendente Charlotte che davvero entra fortemente in competizione con Elizabeth in quanto ad educazione, eleganza di modi, schiettezza e personalità. Qualche nota sensuale che non guasta e una storia davvero appagante...
June 9, 2012
Fun read. So glad I found it. I came to understand Charlotte and Mr Collins so much more. I actually enjoyed them both! It was great to see them grow. I had to question in my mind if the author's portrayal of Colonel Fitzwilliam is true to his character in Jane Austen's work. Makes me want to go retread it. Overall I was quite impressed.
November 2, 2012
1.5 - Didn't hate it, Didn't like it.
This was kind of a dragging book for me. I got about 57% in and I kept having to push myself through it. I skimmed to the end and I guess Mr. Collins and Charolette really end up in love and get out under the thumb of Lady Catherine. I prefer to think of Mr. Collins as the bumbling idiot that he is.
Not my favorite continuation of P&P...
This was kind of a dragging book for me. I got about 57% in and I kept having to push myself through it. I skimmed to the end and I guess Mr. Collins and Charolette really end up in love and get out under the thumb of Lady Catherine. I prefer to think of Mr. Collins as the bumbling idiot that he is.
Not my favorite continuation of P&P...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2017
I love Pride & Prejudice and I love books that go into the side characters lives and see where they end up! I enjoyed this book about Charlotte, I felt that it stayed true to her personality and ways, and I was very pleased with the authors growth of Charlotte's character through-out the book.
January 20, 2013
I tried . . . I really did, after all, it was a free book. And at first, I thought it might pass as an easy, pleasant read, but I just couldn't even make it all the way to the end. I gave it two stars instead of one because if you are into the Jane Austen "sequel" novels, then you might enjoy it.
February 8, 2019
I struggled with this book due to my love of Col Fitzwilliam plus Charlotte flirting with him at all when she is so practical seemed a stretch.
the-book-dump
August 5, 2012The first page told me I wouldn't like the rest of the pages.
December 16, 2017
I was very impressed with this story, especially considering that the focus is Charlotte and Mr Collins, and it doesn't involve him being a villain - as he is often characterized in JAFF.
I think that their developing relationship could be very plausible in cannon and it was really nice to see them grow.
I wasn't a fan of the Colonel Fitzwilliam storyline and admit to skimming some of it while going "Ugh!". But with that said, I enjoyed the book as a whole.
I think that their developing relationship could be very plausible in cannon and it was really nice to see them grow.
I wasn't a fan of the Colonel Fitzwilliam storyline and admit to skimming some of it while going "Ugh!". But with that said, I enjoyed the book as a whole.
April 28, 2021
Una lettura, piacevole e scorrevole. Il ritmo della narrazione è incalzante il personaggio di Charlotte viene rivalutato in una nuova chiave. L'unico particolare che non mi è piaciuto è la storia del colonnello Fitzwilliam!
May 16, 2012
Lovely, lovely story! I found this story to be quite charming! I felt for the most part it stayed true to Jane Austen.
I know this book is about Charlotte, but could it be that I actually came to like, yes, like Mr. Collins! I did not think that was possible, but I did! (I cannot say love and Mr. Collins in the same sentence!)
Poor Charlotte finds herself regretting marrying Mr. Collins. She is bitter; she just wants to stay home and be left alone. The intimacies of marriage and the high-and-mighty Lady Catherine are more than she can bear. She finds herself in trouble for going shopping at a milliner not approved by Lady Catherine. Her punishment is being ostracized from Lady C’s company! (Terrible, I know!) That allows her more freedom and she enjoys life more. She becomes dear friends with Miss Thomas. She even becomes closer to Colonel Fitzwilliam, which leads to other complications!
During this time, Mr. Collins starts seeing the value in Charlotte. He also begins to see how ridiculous of a man he is, fawning and simpering to Lady Catherine, he now realizes how overbearing she is. His love for Charlotte grows, but is it too late?
I liked the side story with Miss Thomas and Mr. Simmons! They both have suffered a great deal from Lady Catherine's dictatorial nature.
I was so happy to see Elizabeth and Darcy come to help Charlotte during a moment of crisis! And loved it when Lady Catherine bursts in on them demanding to know why they are there!
I enjoyed this story very much! I was surprised to see how much my opinions changed about some of my favorite characters and my not so favorite characters. I can’t wait to read Karen’s next story!
I was provided a copy for review by the author.
I know this book is about Charlotte, but could it be that I actually came to like, yes, like Mr. Collins! I did not think that was possible, but I did! (I cannot say love and Mr. Collins in the same sentence!)
Poor Charlotte finds herself regretting marrying Mr. Collins. She is bitter; she just wants to stay home and be left alone. The intimacies of marriage and the high-and-mighty Lady Catherine are more than she can bear. She finds herself in trouble for going shopping at a milliner not approved by Lady Catherine. Her punishment is being ostracized from Lady C’s company! (Terrible, I know!) That allows her more freedom and she enjoys life more. She becomes dear friends with Miss Thomas. She even becomes closer to Colonel Fitzwilliam, which leads to other complications!
During this time, Mr. Collins starts seeing the value in Charlotte. He also begins to see how ridiculous of a man he is, fawning and simpering to Lady Catherine, he now realizes how overbearing she is. His love for Charlotte grows, but is it too late?
I liked the side story with Miss Thomas and Mr. Simmons! They both have suffered a great deal from Lady Catherine's dictatorial nature.
I was so happy to see Elizabeth and Darcy come to help Charlotte during a moment of crisis! And loved it when Lady Catherine bursts in on them demanding to know why they are there!
I enjoyed this story very much! I was surprised to see how much my opinions changed about some of my favorite characters and my not so favorite characters. I can’t wait to read Karen’s next story!
I was provided a copy for review by the author.
May 15, 2012
I believe I must qualify my review my saying it has been decades since I've read Pride and Prejudice. I must also admit that I remember very little of it.
With that said the following is my review of Charlotte -- Pride and Prejudice Continues.
This is an absolutely charming and delightful read! I easily give it five stars, two thumbs up and a gold star! It is very well written.
Ms. Aminadra has done a very fine job of carefully allowing her characters - Mr. Collins and Charlotte- to grow not only as two independent individuals but also as man and wife. The progression of two people who barely knew each other to two individuals who loved each other dearly was sweet as well as exciting and very believable.
I found myself talking out loud and rooting for not only Charlotte and William, but for Louisa and her long lost love as well! In my mind, that is a sign of a very good book; when you find yourself talking out loud to the characters.
Superbly written, charming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace that keeps you interested and wanting more. Without spoiling anything, it does have a very happy ending-and that is my only complaint: it ended too soon--I wanted to keep reading more about these characters. ;o)
With that said the following is my review of Charlotte -- Pride and Prejudice Continues.
This is an absolutely charming and delightful read! I easily give it five stars, two thumbs up and a gold star! It is very well written.
Ms. Aminadra has done a very fine job of carefully allowing her characters - Mr. Collins and Charlotte- to grow not only as two independent individuals but also as man and wife. The progression of two people who barely knew each other to two individuals who loved each other dearly was sweet as well as exciting and very believable.
I found myself talking out loud and rooting for not only Charlotte and William, but for Louisa and her long lost love as well! In my mind, that is a sign of a very good book; when you find yourself talking out loud to the characters.
Superbly written, charming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace that keeps you interested and wanting more. Without spoiling anything, it does have a very happy ending-and that is my only complaint: it ended too soon--I wanted to keep reading more about these characters. ;o)
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